As Halloween decor, costumes and candy take over retail aisles, you might be tempted to load your cart with convenient, but wasteful, merchandise. However, it’s possible to reduce the amount of trash you send to the landfill on November 1. Here are some suggestions for a more eco-friendly Halloween.

Decorations:

Use locally grown pumpkins and gourds as your primary decorations. Sugar pie pumpkins can then be used for baking, and other varieties can be composted after use.

Create DIY decorations by cutting out bats and spiders from recyclable black paper. Tie up old sheets stuffed with fallen leaves to make spooky ghosts.

If you prefer decor that is nonperishable, invest in high-quality pieces that can be reused year after year.

Costumes:

Try creating your own festive costume from outgrown clothes or items from a thrift store.

Borrow old costumes from friends or rent one from a store. Search consignment events for children’s costumes.

If you purchase new costumes, consider donating them to ta local theatre troupe after the holiday.

Treats:

Avoid candies in plastic wrappers. Choose varieties that come packaged in individual cardboard boxes or aluminum foil, which can be recycled.

Consider alternatives to candy, such as sidewalk chalk, seed packets, and craft supplies.

Make homemade treats to give to close friends and family.